Student Eco-Reps

Penn's Student Eco-Reps is an environmental leadership program for undergraduate students interested in advancing sustainability through the implementation of campus-based projects. Students work as paid employees of Penn’s Sustainability Office and collaborate with our University partners to carry out projects in support of Penn’s Climate and Sustainability Action Plan 3.0.

Each year, a cohort of 10-20 second through forth year undergraduate students are selected to participate in the Eco-Reps program. Students meet weekly with staff in Penn’s Sustainability Office and work in small teams throughout the year to develop in-depth projects aimed at solving environmental challenges on campus. Initiatives may focus on topics ranging from energy conservation to waste and recycling, water conservation, academic initiatives, local foods, environmental literacy, and more.

All of our projects involve a strong hands-on component and focus on creating solutions through analyzing the current problem, developing small-scale pilots, and then focusing on broader implementation. Students are asked to bring an entrepreneurial spirit and a sense of willingness and motivation to each project in order to help them succeed.

The Eco-Reps program is organized by Penn’s Sustainability Office within the Division of Facilities and Real Estate Services.

Apply to Be a Student Eco-Rep

The Student Eco-Reps program is now accepting applications for the 2023-2024 cohort! This program is open to undergraduate, second- through fourth-year students. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis through May 2023. For questions about the Student Eco-Reps program, email us at sustainability@upenn.edu. 

Propose a Project

Staff and faculty from any Penn school, center, or department can submit a proposal to have 2-3 students work up to 7 hours per week on a project related to sustainability. Priority is given to projects that support Penn's Climate and Sustainability Action Plan (CSAP 3.0) goals. The program is not currently accepting new project proposals. Submissions for the 2023-2024 academic year will will be accepted in the Summer of 2023. All proposals should include the following: 

• Explain the problem that the project addresses
• Identify how the project meets goals set out in CSAP 3.0
• Outline project goals and objectives
• Describe the type of work that students will perform 
• Define who will manage and mentor the students